Advocate Charles Mnisi, one of the key legal figures in the long-running Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, is back in the spotlight—but this time, not for courtroom arguments. Mnisi completed the 2025 Comrades Marathon, the grueling 89-kilometer ultramarathon, in an impressive 10 hours, 42 minutes, and 4 seconds.
But his athletic achievement has stirred public and judicial ire. Just days before the race, Mnisi submitted a request to the Pretoria High Court seeking an adjournment for June 9, claiming he would need time to recover from the physically demanding event. The request was met with sharp criticism and an outright denial from Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng.
The judge, visibly frustrated, rejected the proposal, citing the already prolonged delays in the Meyiwa case—now stretching close to a decade. He further criticized what he described as selective leniency in such matters, alluding to deeper issues of privilege and procedural fairness in the justice system.
The trial, which seeks justice for slain football star Senzo Meyiwa, has faced repeated delays, leaving the victim’s family and the public increasingly disillusioned. Mnisi’s decision to prioritize a personal athletic goal over court proceedings has now raised questions about professional responsibility, especially in cases of national importance.
With the next court session set for tomorrow, all attention now turns to whether Mnisi will appear as expected—on time, prepared, and ready to proceed. For many, the choice he makes next will speak volumes about his commitment to justice over personal pursuits.
